Lesson From The Kids: Judging Others

Well, with all the terrible stories from yesterday behind (hee hee) us, I thought it might be a good day for another "Lesson From the Kids." This took place when Ben was about 4 years old:

I was in our garden picking berries with Benjamin. We had our defined jobs...I was picking the ones that had become over-ripe, and was throwing them away. Ben’s job was to focus only on the juicy red ones that would be good for dessert. He was eating more than he was gathering, but hey, that's half the fun.

But then he started to watch what I was doing and decided that he wanted to help me do my job. He started trying to pick the bad ones, and made a terrible mess of things…eating yucky ones, putting raspberries in the wrong bowls, throwing out good ones, and getting confused about how to decide what was good and bad. I had to continually remind him that it was mommy’s job, and mommy’s job only, to decide which berries were to be thrown out. He was to only look for the yummy ones, and to treat them with TLC so that we could have them for dessert.

When I found this story in my file this morning, I felt that all too familiar feeling of conviction. You know what I mean? It's that gentle, yet firm, voice or feeling that says "You, my dear one, need to pay attention to this lesson!"

I'm paying attention.

I cringe this morning as I realize how I am often guilty of judging others....even though the Bible is clear...it is not my job to do so.

I'm reminded of an analogy: we are to be witnesses, and witnesses only. We are not the defense attorney. We are not the prosecuting attorney. We are not the jury. And no...we are not the judge. All we are called to do is to be a witness - to faithfully, truthfully, and with love, tell the world about OUR experience with the Lord. The rest is His work.

Now...are we supposed to sit idly by when we see lies being circulated? No. It is OK to make a judgement call and to act when we see deception being promoted. More than OK...we are called to fight for Truth.

Ephesians 6:14-18
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Many people hold the belief that a Christian is not supposed to fight...that they are supposed to be only loving and accepting of all people and all circumstances. When we stand for the truth we are accused of being "un-Christ like" or "closed minded". But remember...even Jesus got really, really mad! Remember when he stormed into the temple court and turned tables and hollered and drove people out with a whip? Yeah! That's my Jesus!

Why did he do that? He did it because he saw sin going on, and God is not accepting of sin. We are to stand for righteousness. We are to stand up for the Truth of God.

But, let me get back to my point. What is my point? My point is just to remind you (and myself) of this:

1 Corinthians 4:4-6

My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

And this:

1 Corinthians 5:12
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside God will judge those outside.

As Christians, we are not called to judge the hearts of men. It is only up to God to judge because he is the only one who is qualified to do the job. He is the only one who can see the motives of men's hearts. He is the only one who can see what is hidden in darkness.

And you know what? When I really think about it, I'm relieved that it's not my job. That job is a big responsibility...a big burden. I'm happy to let the One who is qualified do it.

So now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to go focus on only the "good berries." I'm going to focus on the amazing blessings that God has given me. I'm going to focus on what I am called to do with my time...care for my family and for myself, read my Bible, encourage and love my Christian brothers and sisters, and to try and let my little light shine just a bit.

PS. I would be neglectful if I didn't ask: Do you know about Jesus? Do you want to know more? Do you want to know how to have that relationship with him that you keep hearing about? If so, click HERE. These folks explain everything really well, and can take you through it step by step. Blessings to you!